As September winds down, a few music festivals are winding things up to celebrate the season. Get the schedules, and browse a photo gallery from last weekend’s Michigan Irish Music Festival.
Festival Frolic: From left, Chris Jones (who will play Cooper’s Glen), Leelanau Uncaged, Park Fest (Courtesy Photos)
SCROLL DOWN FOR FESTIVAL SCHEDULES, IRISH MUSIC FEST PHOTO GALLERY
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Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo may roll out as the biggest — and longest — late September celebration of Michigan music, but it’s not the only festival closing out the month across the state.
• Holland Theatre’s Park Fest celebrates the 25th anniversary of the theater with a two-night fundraiser that will feature performances by a dozen regional bands, along with raffles, food trucks and more.
“Together, we’ve worked hard to bring diverse, high-quality programs to our community and turn this venue into a place where people truly feel connected,” said Brandon Blank, Park Theatre’s executive director. “I look forward to building on the foundation we’ve laid.”
Friday’s lineup will feature Tarnished Brass, Group Therapy, The Jesse & Noah Show, Sandy Point Bluegrass, Rowdy Fingers & The Ready Boys and Granddaddy Prunk. Saturday will roll out sets by Michigan Moonwalker, Uncle Rhombus, Oshun Da God, Saint Maybe, Amy G Yoga and Lie.
Details and tickets available online at parktheatreholland.org.
• Meanwhile, about 200 miles to the north, more than 30 Michigan bands and solo artists will perform on several different stages in Northport as part of the annual Leelanau Uncaged festival that rolls out 10 hours of live music.
The 12-year-old festival was inspired by avant garde composer John Cage who once proclaimed, “Get yourselves out of whatever cage you find yourself in.” The free festival offers a unique opportunity to wander from stage to stage and “celebrate creative freedom.”
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with food trucks as well as offerings from local bars and restaurants.
• For many years, Cooper’s Glen — a Kalamazoo festival hosted by the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association — took place with performances by acoustic artists representing numerous styles and genres.
After a long hiatus, the festival — this time titled “Cooper’s Glen Again” — will return for a day of workshops and performances on Saturday (Sept. 26).
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the main campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College with sets by Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Djangophonique, Corn Fed Girls and Serita’s Black Rose. Workshops begin at 10:15 a.m.; live music starts at 3 p.m., with more details here.
The Michigan Irish Music Festival rolled out over four days last weekend at Heritage Landing in Muskegon.
PHOTO GALLERY: Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing (Friday)
Photos by John Sinkevics
FESTIVAL SCHEDULES
LEELANAU UNCAGED (Sept. 26)
PARK FEST (Sept. 25-26)
COOPER’S GLEN AGAIN (Sept. 26)
SOUNDS OF THE ZOO (Through Sept. 27)
Save these images on your smartphone to take along to the festivals
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